International Students Gathering at UMY Brings Together Students from 28 Countries
Yogyakarta – Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) held its International Students Gathering on September 13, 2024, at the UMY Graduate Building. The event brought together more than 70 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students from 28 countries, aiming to strengthen the bonds among international students and provide them with essential information about their stay in Indonesia.
The event was opened with remarks from the Head of UMY’s Office of International Affairs, Idham Badruzaman, Ph.D., who emphasized the importance of unity among international students. In his speech, he stated, “Based on my experience, the bond among international students is even stronger because we are all in the same conditions and situations. This shared experience creates a common spirit.” His words resonated well with the attendees.
One of the main focuses of this year’s International Students Gathering was the discussion about health insurance for full-time international students studying in Indonesia. Idham Badruzaman, Ph.D. explained that the gathering was held to provide deeper insights into the importance of health insurance during their studies. One of the insurance companies collaborating with UMY is Lippo General Insurance (LGI), which offers a range of health insurance options specifically designed for international students. These options are expected to help students address their healthcare needs during their time in Indonesia.
In addition to the health insurance session, the event also featured a presentation from the International Students Association led by Nakula, a student from Africa. Nakula outlined the various programs organized by the association, supported by funding from UMY. These programs aim to enhance the welfare and academic experience of international students on campus.
Overall, the International Students Gathering highlighted the importance of fostering strong connections among international students so they can support each other and thrive in a foreign country. Idham Badruzaman, Ph.D. concluded the event by reminding the students to always maintain solidarity as they face the challenges of studying in Indonesia.
With this event, it is hoped that international students at UMY will be better prepared to face the various challenges during their studies, whether related to health, academics, or social life.